In between that time and today, I found myself climbing a corporate ladder in real estate franchise marketing. It was unfilling but created a stable foundation. I also dipped my toes in entrepreneurship, but it wasn’t something I was fully passionate about.

At the end of it, I felt lost, confused, and regretted getting off the corporate track, even though it didn’t make me happy.

When I had my son last year, though, everything changed.

I actually started The Dinner Special podcast for two main reasons, both because of my son.

On Starting The Dinner Special Podcast, Reason #1:

My wife and I used to eat out several times a week, but since becoming a family of three, our lives have changed completely. We found ourselves cooking alot more at home, but it was a chore. Mondays – pasta, Tuesdays – pork chop with potatoes, Wednesdays – rice with stir fry, you get the idea, it was the same routine week after week.

I knew exactly what I was making for dinner every single day of the week, and this troubled me. It was easy but cooking just wasn’t fun anymore.

There was no spontaneity, no excitement.

And, being in front of a computer all day, the last thing I wanted to do was to sit in front of my laptop and search for new recipes to try, or find new food blogs to follow – even though I love food and cooking.

Looking online for recipes too, I found, can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many websites and blogs, and way too many recipes to sift through.

I just didn’t have the patience.

In a rare moment of genius, I thought, why don’t I chat with food heroes about dinner dishes that are special to them, that way, I’ll know for sure it’s something good. I can then also plan ahead when I go grocery shopping on Sundays, so I’m prepared to try a new dish on an evening I’m feeling adventurous.

On My Food Hero Guests:

And since I started talking with them about their special dishes, I’ve found that they’re also an awesome resource for discovering new food blogs, websites and cookbooks, some of which I totally love now but would have no idea even existed if they didn’t recommend them. I’m also learning about so many kitchen tips and helpful tricks.

It’s been such a fun and inspiring experience!

I hope The Dinner Special podcast will do the same for you!

On Starting The Dinner Special Podcast, Reason #2:

Now, I mentioned I started The Dinner Special podcast because of my son for two main reasons.

The second, is that I’ve wanted to start a podcast for a long time but it completely scared me, I procrastinated for months.

I had so many excuses. How could I start – I don’t have a name for the show. What would the show be about? Why would anyone want to talk with me? Would anyone even listen or care?

I knew that if I truly wanted to be a good role model for my son, something had to change. It was more than starting a podcast, it was about challenging myself and pushing past my doubts and fears.

I hope that when he grows up, he won’t let fear stop him from reaching his goals, whatever they may be.

I hope he’ll be brave and put himself out there, because more often than not I’ve found, and this has been reinforced with this project, that people are kind, generous and naturally want to help and see others succeed.

On How I Hope The Dinner Special Can Help:

Everything I do with The Dinner Special podcast is an experiment – just like with cooking.

Things don’t always turn out perfectly.

Sometimes the Skype connection is choppy so the interviews aren’t as clear, I don’t always know exactly what to say and fumble my words, and I probably chuckle too much, but I do try to put together the best show I can, each and every time. (I hope you’ll be entertained nevertheless!)

My food hero guests deserve it and of course, you do too!

Whether you’re a home cook who’s a pro in the kitchen, someone where cooking is a routine and chore, or somewhere in between, my goal is to introduce you to food hero guests who’ll give you tips to become an even better home cook, the inspiration to try something new, and bring fun back into cooking.

I look forward to having you join me and my food hero guests as we chat about their fondest food memories, their favorite things inside and out of the kitchen, and a dish that is special to them and how we can make it at home.

Enjoy The Dinner Special Podcast?

If you do enjoy listening, I’d be so grateful if you could subscribe, rate and review The Dinner Special podcast in iTunes here. This will help share the show with as many people as possible.

Thank You & Shout Outs:

Thanks for listening, but most of all, I want to thank you for allowing me to do something I’m passionate and excited about.

Disclosure: Please note that some links on this site are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. Please understand they are things that have been mentioned in podcast conversations as something interesting or worth checking out, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these items unless you really want them or feel that they will enrich your culinary journey.

I appreciate and value your support beyond making a purchase through a link on this site, but it is one of the ways I can continue to keep bringing you the podcasts I hope you enjoy. Thank you!

Hello! I'm Gabriel Soh, home cook, food enthusiast and your host of The Dinner Special podcast.
Everything here on The Dinner Special is an experiment, just like with cooking. Thank you for listening and being part of the adventure.